Spy Girl Names: Real life femmes fatales

Appellation Mountain‘s Abby Sandel, one of nameberry’s favorite guest bloggers, now looks for–and finds– some intriguing names in the world of international espionage.

Fictional spies have glamorous names to go with their stiletto heels and hidden daggers. But for every femme fatale we find in books or movies, there’s a real life Spy Girl who risked all for her cause.

IanFleming created legendary super-spy JamesBond, but also invented a bevy of Bond girls, some capable, some less so, most with outrageous names. Fleming based at least one character on a real-life spy: Vesper Lynd, she of Casino Royale fame, was modeled on Polish-born British agent and saboteur Krystyna Skarbek, also known as ChristineGranville.

Female spies can be found throughout history. During World War I, the Dutch-born MataHari assumed the identity of an Indian dancer and was executed by France as a German spy. There’s no proof that MataHari ever engaged in espionage. On the opposite side, hospital matron Edith Cavell conspired to help wounded English and French soldiers escape their captors. She, too, was caught and sentenced to death.

Women spies flourished during the World War II era. Some volunteered; others were recruited. Many of them had fascinating biographies before they entered the spy game. It was dangerous work, and many lost their lives. Just a few of the heroines from the era include:

If you’re looking for a strong feminine name, many of these would wear well. They’re pleasingly retro, but there’s no denying the chutzpah each Spy Girl needed to even consider taking on such daunting tasks.

ABBY SANDEL, creator of the terrific website Appellation Mountain, lives in Washigton DC and is the mother of two small children.